PM Sharif to attend World Governments Summit in UAE: Foreign Office I Foreign Minister rejects PM Netanyahu’s remarks on a Palestinian state in Saudi
In Focus
IMF to inspect institutional and governance systems of Pakistan
On 9 February, a technical team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has arrived in Pakistan to review the state of its governance and corruption under the USD 7 billion loan programme. The mission will be in Pakistan for a week to analyze six major governance-linked sectors and the strength of the institutional capacity to overcome corruption. In this regard, a benchmark has been set to examine the existing vulnerabilities in governance and corruption. This is will be published in a report titled Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA) by July 2025. The report will provide a set of recommendations that will assist in addressing the country’s vulnerability to corruption, simultaneously strengthening its governance and integrity. It will enable the government to carry out reforms to promote transparency, establish robust institutions and realize sustainable and inclusive economic growth. According to sources reported by Dawn, the mission will be engaging with top representatives of the election and financial bodies, and the judiciary to review the process. (Khaleeq Kiani, “IMF mission to inspect regulatory, judicial system,” Dawn, 10 February 2025)
On IMF review: “The forthcoming review should not be negative,” suggested an editorial in Dawn
On 10 February, an editorial titled “A positive note,” in Dawn highlighted how the upcoming review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its Extended Facility Fund programme may have favorable outcomes. A special report published by the Fitch ratings stated that Pakistan ought to implement the structural reforms suggested by the IMF ahead of its upcoming review. With structural reforms at the core of the USD 7 billion bailout programme, Fitch does not place much hope in the government’s commitment to implement these reforms. Nevertheless, it acknowledges the progress in economic stability via strengthened liquidity and debt rollovers. The editorial noted how Pakistan has met three of five IMF benchmarks, while also achieving a surplus in its current account, lowered rate of inflation, reduced interest rates among other macroeconomic indicators. These developments may project a positive trajectory in the economy. However, it is not sufficient. The weak balance of payments remains central to the economic crisis. Additionally, the editorial pointed out how this “turnaround” has come “at great cost” to the middle class salaried man. Hence, the only way they can be compensated is when the country is steered towards the path of reforms and remains congruent with them. (“A positive note,” Dawn, 10 February 2025)
PM Sharif to attend World Governments Summit in UAE: Foreign Office
On 9 February, a statement released by the Foreign Office announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will embark on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 10 February. On the invitation of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan PM Sharif will participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) being hosted in Dubai. The summit is set to bring together several governments, policymakers and prominent private figures from across the globe. The notification outlined that PM Sharif will deliver a keynote address, “highlighting Pakistan’s vision for inclusive economic growth, digital transformation and governance reforms.” On the sidelines, PM Sharif will also hold meetings with the UAE President and the heads of other governments and companies participating in the summit. This visit comes amid an interest expressed by the UAE to collaborate with Pakistan in the mineral and agriculture sectors and a USD 2 billion loan rollover which was due in January by the UAE. (“PM Shehbaz to embark on 2-day visit to UAE on Monday: FO,” Dawn, 9 February 2025)
Foreign Minister rejects PM Netanyahu’s remarks on a Palestinian state in Saudi
On 9 February, Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar denounced recent statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The latter had called for the creation of a state for Palestinian people in Saudi Arabia. Responding to these remarks, Dar said that these statements were: “irresponsible, provocative and thoughtless.” He believed that it not just undermined the right of Palestinian people to self-determination but also Saudi Arabia’s stance on the conflict. He said: “Any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia’s unwavering position and misrepresentation of its commitment to the Palestinian cause are deeply regrettable.” He reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Palestine and asserted that any attempt at displacing or relocating them would be a “blatant violation of international law.” Meanwhile, Dar also held telephonic conversations separately with Foreign Minister of Iran Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty discussing the situation in Gaza. (Ifthikar A Khan, “Dar rejects Netanyahu’s remarks about Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia,” Dawn, 10 February 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS
Lower than expected turnout in PTI’s Swabi rally, reports The News
On 10 February, The News International reported that sources have disclosed a low turnout in the recent rally held by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The low attendance is due to an internal discord within the party and the absence of funds required for mobilizing workers. The report highlighted claims made by party insiders who suggested that this resulted in a low attendance of around 5000-6000 people. Additionally, the participation of workers from Mardan, Malakand and Peshawar also turned out to be lower than expected. Sources further revealed that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had refused to provide funding for the event. It signifies a shift from his earlier practice of distributing funds among PTI leaders to mobilize people for the party’s rallies. (Daniyal Aziz, “Low turnout at PTI Swabi rally due to rifts, lack of funds,” The News International, 10 February 2025)
JUDICIARY
PTI Senator Syed Ali Zafar urges CJP Yahya Afridi to delay SC and IHC appointments
On 9 February, in a letter addressed to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s Barrister Syed Ali Zafar called for a deferment of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting scheduled for 10 February. This letter was written in light of the appointment of eight judges to the Supreme Court and the transfer of four provincial judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC). It highlighted that the challenges to the 26th Constitutional Amendment ought to be addressed first. However, if the commission did decide to proceed with the meeting then it should, at the very least set aside plans to transfer the four judges to the IHC until the issue of seniority is attended to. The letter further read that those transferred should not be considered for elevation to the position of a chief justice of the IHC or the position of a judge of the SC. He expressed anxiety over the outcome of the JCP meeting where a vacancy would be created for the chief justice of the IHC and lead to SC appointments. He argued that the question of which judge is eligible on the basis of seniority should be given much thought. The letter also brought to light the context within which these appointments are taking place which has led to public speculation over its timing and implications. The letter read: “There is a perception among the general public and many in the legal community that these developments may be linked to high-profile appeals filed by PTI founder Imran Khan and Mrs Imran Khan against their illegal convictions based on political victimization, which are currently before IHC.” (“PTI seeks delay in SC appointments over seniority row,” Dawn, 10 February 2025)
SOCIETY
On women empowerment: “In governance, as in economics, no country can soar with one wing clipped,” argues an editorial in Dawn
On 10 February, an editorial titled “Held back,” in Dawn shed light on the absence of gender parity within the civil services. Women in Pakistan constitute half of the population and are entitled to a 10 per cent quota in the federal government positions. However, they occupy only five per cent of the government positions. It does not end there as a majority of the five per cent-78 per cent occupy lower-grade positions. Moreover, despite being the largest federal employer of females, only 37.31 per cent are integrated into the Defense sector. In this regard, the editorial highlighted the actual barriers that hinder progress towards women empowerment. While education may be considered as a factor, in reality, universities produce more female graduates compared to male graduates across various disciplines. The real issues are entrenched in improper childcare, bias towards women in senior positions and inflexible work timings. This has had direct and indirect consequences to the economy as half of the talent pool is being exempted from contributing to it. In this regard, the editorial read: “Pakistan must tackle the structural impediments that keep women from entering — and ascending in — public service.” (“Held back,” Dawn, 10 February 2025)
SECURITY
Seven terrorists eliminated in Dera Ismail Khan and North Waziristan
On 9 February, seven terrorists and two others were killed in separate instances according to statements from the military’s media wing and security officials. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that an intelligence based operation was carried out in the Maddi area which resulted in the killing of three terrorists and wounding of two others in a fire exchange between the military and the terrorists. According to sources reported by Dawn these militants were expert in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and bombs and have been involved in several terrorist activities. In another intelligence based-operation launched in Mir Tehsil, North Waziristan, another fire exchange led to the killing of four militants and wounding of three others, the ISPR stated. Separately, two men were murdered by two captors in the Gurbaz Bakkakhel area of Bannu district due to old enmity. The killing was recorded and circulated on social media platforms, however, the authenticity of the video is yet to be determined. On the other hand, a soldier was killed in a fire exchange with terrorists in Hassan Khel and the ISPR is yet to confirm the same. (Umer Farooq & Muhammad Irfan Mughal, “Seven terrorists killed in D.I. Khan, North Waziristan operations: ISPR,” Dawn, 10 February 2025)
Peace jirga set three-day deadline for armed groups to leave Karak
On 9 February, a peace jirga announced a three-day deadline for groups of armed men to exit the Karak district else the Khattak tribe will trace and remove them with force. The jirga consisted of representatives from various rights organizations and political parties. These announcements were made on account of the recent attacks on Bahaderkhel police checkpoint. Reflecting on the incident, the speakers asserted that such activities of non-local people involved in terrorism in the district are unacceptable. Furthermore, a committee has been formed to alert social activists across Karak and plan a peace march in Karak city on 16 February. In this regard, they have sought resources and support from the Counter Terrorism Department to overcome terrorism in the region. (“Jirga sets deadline for armed groups to leave Karak,” The News International, 10 February 2025)
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Today, 76 days later, the question is still the same: Why were innocent Pakistanis martyred? You will have to answer!
- PTI
"If you search for us in every land, we are rare and hard to find."
- PTI Islamabad
You try to subtract. The public will vote. Insha Allah
- PTI Swabi
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"In reality, much power has to be exercised to prove that power is power."
- An opinion in Dawn, ''Past to the present."
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